Low Confidence and Self-Esteem Counselling in Newton Abbot
It’s hard to feel at ease when you’re constantly doubting yourself. Maybe you hold back from speaking up, second-guess your choices, or feel uncomfortable in your own skin. Low confidence and self-esteem can quietly shape so much of daily life — from work and relationships to how you see your future.
Through self-esteem and confidence counselling in Newton Abbot, I offer a suppotive space where we can look at what’s behind those feelings and begin to rebuild a steadier sense of self-worth — one that feels real and lasting.
“One of the greatest tragedies in life is to lose your own sense of self and accept the version of you that is expected by everyone else.”
— K. L. Toth
Low self-confidence can influence many aspects of our lives; it can make decision-making harder, create self-doubt, or lead to a recurring sense of “not being good enough.” Over time, it can narrow what feels possible — affecting how you express yourself, take risks, or trust your own judgment. For some, these feelings trace back to early experiences, whilst for others, they grow gradually because of rejection, burnout, or changes.
Counselling can help you to notice the patterns that hold you back and to understand where they come from. We can explore the stories you tell yourself about your worth and begin to see them differently. You won’t become a different person, but you can be helped to recognise your own strengths and find a firmer confidence in who you already are – that critical inner voice can become kinder.
Understanding Low Confidence & Self-Esteem
Low confidence doesn’t appear overnight. It often grows from experiences that have chipped away at your sense of value — being criticised, overlooked, compared, or made to feel small. Over time, these moments can turn into a running commentary in your mind, telling you you’re not good enough.
You might notice yourself:
Brushing off compliments or achievements
Holding back from opportunities in case you fail
Comparing yourself to others and coming up short
Feeling tense or self-conscious in groups
Worrying that others are judging you
These patterns can leave you feeling stuck and unsure how to change them. But small, steady shifts are possible — and they often begin with understanding where these beliefs come from and how they’ve shaped the way you see yourself.
How Counselling Can Help
In our sessions, you’ll have space to slow down, reflect, and talk about what’s really going on — without pressure to “fix” yourself. We’ll look at what’s been feeding your self-doubt and find more balanced ways to respond to it.
Together, we might:
Trace back the roots of your low confidence and notice what keeps it in place
Explore the language you use about yourself and how to make it kinder and more accurate
Build confidence in expressing your needs and opinions
Find practical ways to handle self-critical thoughts or social anxiety
Reconnect with your strengths, values, and what feels meaningful to you
The goal isn’t to become endlessly confident — it’s to feel more comfortable being you.
samantha@candlewoodcounselling
My Approach
My work is gentle and collaborative — I don’t come with a fixed plan or quick answers. Instead, I listen carefully, ask questions that help you think differently, and support you in finding your own way forward.
Over time, counselling can help you develop a clearer sense of who you are and what matters to you. It’s about learning to meet yourself with the same respect and patience you’d offer anyone else.
Taking The Next Step
If low confidence or self-esteem is getting in the way of how you want to live, you don’t have to face it alone.
If you’d like to know more about self-esteem counselling in Newton Abbot, or how we might work together, you’re welcome to get in touch. I’m happy to answer questions or arrange an free initial chat to find out more about how I could help.